it needed to use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it needed to use" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a requirement or necessity for something to utilize a specific method, tool, or resource. Example: "In order to complete the project successfully, it needed to use advanced software for data analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

In order for Hyv to test its technology, it needed to use it on multiple devices and with multiple carriers.

TechCrunch

Pryce fretted that it needed to use the words "pressurised" into taking the points.

Independent

Because of their connection to bin Laden, who had a federal indictment against him, the F.B.I. had all the authority it needed to use every investigative technique to penetrate and disrupt the Al Qaeda cell.

The New Yorker

He said he was tasked with securing the crucial backing of the Arab League, whose support for military action gave NATO the regional cover it needed to use force in another Muslim country, during an intense round of shuttle diplomacy.

The New York Times

"One of the ironies is that in the 1980s, one of the demands we had was that Carbide should act more like Bayer did in Germany and not store MIC at the plant and just make it when it needed to use it," said Prof. Gerald E. Beller, chairman of the department of political science at the university, who helped start the local group.

The New York Times

In Raj Rajaratnam's appeal of his convictions for conspiracy and insider trading that will be heard on Thursday by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, the critical issue will be whether the government established that it needed to use wiretaps because other avenues of investigation were not fruitful.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"That's my direct line to the sublime, and I needed to use it.

The Guardian - Music

Now it needs to use its education system to rescue its electronics industry.

The Economist

It needs to use its leverage — now.

The New York Times

This suggests that Nintendo understands that it needs to use its core intellectual property if it wants these mobile titles to make waves.

The New York Times

It needs to use its leverage over the actions of others: other businesses or even, within reason, the actions of governments.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it needed to use", ensure that the subject "it" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. This helps maintain clarity and prevents misinterpretations in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it needed to use" without a clear antecedent for "it". Without a specific subject, the sentence can lack clarity and leave the reader wondering what exactly needed to use something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needed to use" functions as a clause element expressing a requirement or necessity. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in various contexts, highlighting its role in indicating that a particular entity or system was compelled to employ a specific tool or method.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it needed to use" is a grammatically correct and commonly employed expression used to convey the necessity of utilizing a specific tool, method, or resource. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, as showcased through various examples from reliable sources such as The New York Times, TechCrunch and The Guardian. While it maintains a generally neutral register, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to define the subject "it" explicitly and provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "it was required to use" or "it had to utilize" can be employed to adjust the formality of the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was required to use

Emphasizes a formal requirement or obligation.

it was essential to use

Highlights the critical importance of using something.

it had to utilize

A more formal way of saying it had to use, implying a specific purpose.

it was necessary to employ

Suggests a formal and deliberate application of something.

it was important to use

Emphasizes the significance or value in using something.

it was crucial to use

Highlights the critical and decisive nature of using something.

it was vital to use

Stresses the life-or-death importance of using something.

it needed to implement

Focuses on the act of putting something into effect.

it found it necessary to use

Indicates a discovery or realization of the need to use something.

it determined it had to use

Highlights a decision-making process that led to the use of something.

FAQs

What does "it needed to use" mean?

The phrase "it needed to use" signifies that something required or had a necessity to utilize a specific tool, method, or resource to achieve a particular outcome or fulfill a requirement.

How can I rephrase "it needed to use" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "it was required to use", "it was necessary to employ", or "it had to utilize".

Is there a difference between "it needed to use" and "it had to use"?

While both phrases convey necessity, "it needed to use" implies a requirement based on a specific situation or condition, whereas "it had to use" suggests a more forceful or unavoidable obligation. The choice depends on the context and the level of emphasis you wish to convey.

How to make sure that the sentence with "it needed to use" is clear and unambiguous?

Ensure that the subject "it" is clearly defined and that the context provides sufficient information about why the use was necessary. Avoid vague pronoun references and provide specific details about what was being used and for what purpose.